Harden and Dame outstrip Jimmy in most accolades and are generally more lauded in the media.
- Points 25k & 20k vs 14k.
- PPG
- Assists 7k and 5k vs 3k.
- All-NBA 7 and 7 vs 5, etc
After a certain point, the value of regular season achievements incrementally diminish. Jimmy has 8/9 all star calibre seasons which is enough longevity for me.
Superstars are viewed on their playoff performances. Legends judged on rings.
Jimmy corralled unlikely rosters to two finals and was an inch away from a 3rd finals, all as the primary/sole superstar. He’s shown this transformative leadership on 4 different teams. He dropped a 40 point triple double on LeBron in the finals, a 56 point monster on the Bucks. Harden and Dame don’t have this kind of playoff resumes.
I love Dame and Harden. And Steph and Luka and all three level crazy ball handlers. Jimmy is more mechanical and that translates well to the playoff squeeze. He’s two-way, mentally resilient and floor-raising in ways Harden and Dame aren’t.
Jimmy has achieved more with lesser rosters and should be ranked higher.
Harden would’ve made it to the finals at least once, maybe twice, if he didn’t have to face the warriors dynasty twice lol